News

On July 21, 2010, the leaders of seven North American chimpanzee sanctuaries gathered in Bend, OR to create a new initiative, the North American Primate Sanctuary Alliance (NAPSA). Founded by the directors of The Center for Great Apes, Chimp Haven, Chimps, Inc., Chimp Sanctuary Northwest, Fauna Foundation, Primate Rescue Center, Inc., and Save the Chimps, Inc., the mission of NAPSA is:

The launch of NAPSA is dedicated to the late Dr. Carole Noon, founder of Save the Chimps.

NAPSA is modeled in part after the Pan-African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA). Among its many goals are to unify and establish the integrity and quality of primate sanctuaries across North America; distinguish true sanctuaries from facilities that falsely claim to be sanctuaries; share resources and information that will help improve the quality of care provided to all captive non-human primates; develop a strategy for placement of unwanted primates as well as responses to urgent situations; communicate with one voice to the media and general public.

NAPSA was founded by a group of chimpanzee sanctuary directors, and will have an initial focus on chimpanzee issues. However, the challenges faced by chimpanzees in North America are shared by other species of non-human primates. As NAPSA grows, the organization intends to welcome the participation of primate sanctuaries caring for other ape and monkey species.

In the coming months, NAPSA will be working with the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries to develop standards for chimpanzee care in sanctuaries. A website, membership criteria, and other programs will also be forthcoming.